This week, Spider Nugent left Coronation Street and sweetheart Toyah behind, as he continued his undercover police career off-screen. A sad departure, and ridiculous shoot-outs aside, Spider's year-long revival and entrenchment in the right-wing grooming storyline, has been delightful. With Lauren's Dad getting jailed and Max's redemption, this particular storyline is now over? I was sad to see Spider go this week, without mentioning 'Aunty Em' aka Emily Bishop, or his former number three residency, but equally happy to chat with Martin Hancock (who has played Geoffrey 'Spider' Nugent since 1997) for my latest Coronation Street Blog Interview. June of 2022 was when we last spoke, following the announcement of Spider's return, so it seems only right, and rather ouroboros, that I write up his latest exit interview!
Hello Martin! After this week’s kidnap drama, we've seen the end of Spider and Toyah. What do you think went wrong for these childhood sweethearts?
Life’s gone wrong between them - it's just bad luck and circumstance! What's been happening previously in Spider’s life and what's been happening previously in Toyah’s life have conspired to do them down in the end. They are both committed people but for now, it's just not workable.
Do you think Spider has put his job before his relationship or is it a bit more than that?
I think we've touched on this a few times in the episodes, it was a bit spideresque and naive to think you could work undercover in the community and then stay in the community you were undercover in! His desire to be with Toyah back in Weatherfield overrode his judgement. I don't think he put his career first - he put Toyah first - his career has drawn him back in. He thought he was going to get a second chance at happiness. He will be desperately sad about the way things have ended. Whatever version of Spider we are talking about, he does Love Toyah. They've had a 25-year relationship and he will be gutted that it didn't work out this time!
They've both been through a lot before and again this time. Do you think they will always have that love between them?
I don’t think it's the end of this story. These two will always have that bit of love there.
Did you think Spider would have been happy to have settled in Weatherfield?
Yeah, I think the thing with Spider is that he’s such a hothead he loves getting behind a good cause and wants to change the world. I think this time may have been a wake-up call for him. It made him think that he could stay around the one place -his younger self wouldn't have thought that!
How do you feel about Spider's departure? Do you think he’s leaving with unfinished business?
I’d like to think he is leaving with unfinished business, not immediately, but yeah, I think there is some unfinished business for him in Weatherfield.
Have you enjoyed your time back on the show?
I've enjoyed it immensely coming back. When I was younger I was a bit too enamoured by the party scene, so it was nice to come back as an older and wiser person to really enjoy it for what it is, which is a great show with great people, I've really enjoyed it!
You came back as part of Max’s grooming and right-wing extremism. Did you feel proud to be part of that?
Massively! The rise of extremism is frightening - it's so subtle sometimes, the way it works and infiltrates young minds - it will destroy society if we don't address it, so yes massively proud to have been part of that storyline. Working with some very talented young actors, and Michael Condron (who played Griff) was just brilliant.
What's been the best thing about returning to Coronation Street this time?
It's the same as last time - the people. It's a lovely atmosphere - the crew is hilarious they are a funny bunch. I love all that, and the green room. I will miss the banter and the Corrie one-liners, those tongue-in-cheek moments. There is a family feel to it. I will miss the gang.
Did you enjoy playing a more mature version of Spider this time?
Yeah although I did have a few hankerings for the more comedic older version of Spider. There were a few times when Jane Danson (Leanne) and I had some of the old Spider/Leanne rivalries come in, and it would have been fun to wind up Audrey again. Seriously, Spider was great, and we dealt with more hardcore and heavier issues!
Would you consider coming back to the show in future?
Yes!! Of course! I said it the first, second and third time around, and this is now my fourth - I love this show!
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Thanks, Martin! Let's hope Spider returns to the show soon? My obsession with Corrie really began to take hold in the late 90s. As my teenage years developed, Toyah and Spider's romance and Brian Parks' controversial 'axe-man' era gave the show a much-needed refresher, drawing in the younger audience, AKA me. The youthful injection worked, and nearly 30 years later, a teenage me would be proud to say I've sat in on two cast interviews with one of my all-time favourite characters!!
What do you think about Spider's exit? Where does this leave Toyah's future on the cobbles? The qualified counsellor seems okay working at the Bistro and living in her sister's flat. Not long ago she killed Imran, escaped justice, and seems to have forgotten all about her former life as an echo warrior, ex-Rovers landlady, and staunch vegetarianism. As Spider's now gone - could she be next? Toyah’s flowery dresses and left-wing sensibilities make her one of my fave female characters, so I'd hope not, but you wonder where else she can go?
I am @rybazoxo, your Coronation Street Blogger and die-hard Corrie fan!
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